Taleon Imperial Hotel

Perfectly located in the heart of St Petersburg, just around the corner from the Hermitage. The interior is grand and ornate. This is a huge hotel with several function rooms and conference facilities, a spa and swimming pool. As air conditioning tends to affect my husband’s sinuses, the first thing we do on entering any hotel room is turn off the air conditioning and open the window. Holding this thought, we were shown to our room – it was small and overlooked the central Atrium. This meant two things (1) we were unable to open the windows and (2) there was no natural light. Both these issues are fundamental to us so this was not going to work. In addition, several bulbs not working, mainly in the bathroom (don’t they check these things in between bookings?). We actually removed 2 bulbs from the wall lights by the wardrobes and put them in the bathroom wall lights and they worked – hoorah! We left the two non-working bulbs on the small sofa underneath the two, now not working wall lights by the wardrobes. When we came back, the bulbs had gone – but they had not put new bulbs in the lights so they still weren’t working! Anyway, having spoken to the rest of our group (we were on a package with Cox & Kings) and discovered that they seemed to have lovely big rooms with huge windows overlooking the canal – we asked to be moved. And we were – to a significantly nicer room. Big windows (that opened) overlooking the street, separate shower instead of one over the bath like the previous room, two washbasins instead of one, a much bigger bed and a maid to turn it down every night – none of which we had in the previous room – yet we all paid the same. Hmm. Breakfast in the Atrium was the usual buffet mix of everything and overall very good. The staff were good although not big on smiles – more mechanical efficiency than customer service – but I guess that’s the Russian way. This is I believe a 5 star hotel, but no porter took our luggage to our room for us. It may be that package groups are treated differently – lower priority? Just a thought. Overall this is a quality hotel in a great location. I would recommend it, but chose your room carefully.

Situated on Nevsky Prospect the hotel is easy walking distance to restaurants and the historical sights. The room was stylish and comfortable. Even the sofa bed was good to sleep on. The staff were friendly, helping us arrange the necessary paperwork for our stay and getting us to and from the airport. We didn't have breakfast at the hotel. The pool was open late for a late night swim.

The hotel is ideally situated on Nevsky Prospect, about a 5 minute walk from the Hermitage Museum. A former palace,It has an opulent design with a grand staircase ( rather hidden away unless you explore) We had a large room on the 4th floor with a huge bathroom: double sinks,separate shower cubicle, and a free standing bath. There was a comfortable bed, a seating area with table and armchairs, as well as a desk. There was a limited choice of English language TV programmes, and a very expensive mini bar ( approx £7 for a large bottle of water ) However smaller bottles were provided free each day, and were also available in the dining room at breakfast. Breakfast was very good with a wide choice of items: cereals, fruit, cold meats and cooked items including an omelette station. Staff needed to be more proactive in the dining room to clear away used plates. The swimming pool looked very inviting,but was expensive. There were good views from the rooftop restaurant. Although I have made some criticisms, I have to say that despite these, we had a wonderful stay, and would return if we were in St Petersburg again.

The Taleon had a great location and was in walking distance to the Hermitage. We had to ask for a heater as it was unseasonably cold in June. Beautiful bathroom. Breakfast area somewhat reminded me of a cafeteria.

The location of this hotel is perfect for all the sites. The rooms were very large, with antiques everywhere. You had to pay extra for tea and coffee making facilities, and the minibar was extortionate. It was also an automatic one, so when I put my milk in I took there bottles out. I informed reception of this and we were not charged. They advised against drinking the tap water, but only supplied two small bottles each day. Just round the corner there is a mini market selling water, just make sure you know the difference between still and sparkling! The service was very friendly and very helpful. Breakfast was good. Swimming pool on top of building was warm and empty. View was amazing. Also put my head round the state rooms. They were amazing. It was a palace.